Walgett CWA has received $13,860 in federal funding to create a garden for the community to enjoy as it continues to tackle tough times.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding has been provided under Round 22 of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together initiative.
“This is a shot in the arm for the Walgett community as it continues to recover from the impacts of not only drought, but COVID-19,” Mr Coulton said.
“The funding will enable Walgett CWA to provide a green space of tranquillity at its CWA rooms in the town centre, which are utilised by a range of community groups for meetings, events and regular yoga and pilates sessions.
“The garden will also provide disability access into the southern side of the rooms, with funds to be used for concreting a ramp, as well as the installation of a rainwater tank and irrigation system.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government was proud to be continuing to back regional and farming communities still feeling the impacts of drought.
“As a proud regional Australian I know only too well how long the impacts of drought are felt, and with the additional economic pinch of COVID-19 it’s important now more than ever that we keep standing side by side with those hard-hit communities,” Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said.
“This initiative funds economy-boosting community events like regional fairs or arts shows, smaller infrastructure upgrades that improve communal amenities, volunteer facilities or accessibility, or purchasing vital equipment to bolster local operations and existing projects.
“These projects not only provide much-needed economic stimulus to communities, but also help reduce social isolation, drive leadership development and skills training, increase social and educational participation, address disadvantage for youth, reduce volunteer fatigue, and build local capacity.
“Our regions and agricultural hubs are essential to our national identity and economy, so when our farmers and their communities face the realities of taps run dry, it’s vital we rally around them to tackle those challenges together – and that’s exactly what this program is doing.”
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Australian Government has committed a total of $15 million to the Tackling Tough Times Together initiative, with a total of $13.7 million of this already out the door to make over 420 projects a reality for drought-affected communities.
“We’ve already seen fantastic benefits flow from the projects supported so far. I can’t wait to see this next round build on that legacy to achieve even more in our communities,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This Government has provided over $11 billion since 2018-19 to assist farmers, regional businesses and communities experiencing drought and this is just one commitment that provides immediate support to those communities as they weather and bounce back from the devastating effects of drought.
“I extend my appreciation to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal for its work to help provide Australian Government and donor support to rural and regional communities.”
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://frrr.org.au/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs.